From pup struts to plant swaps and a witches market, there’s a charming, woodsy community located in Mount Laurel that hosts free outdoor events throughout the year tailored to just about everyone.
“I love creating a space where the community can come together and be happy,” said Janeen Hovnanian, director of Rancocas Woods events. “It’s really important to be able to create these spaces and gatherings where you (can) put your differences aside and come together to have a good time and a positive experience.”
Hovnanian began her role in 2019. Because of COVID, she had to plan virtual or safe-distance happenings for the first couple of years, what she described as a wild beginning. Although that time was very challenging it was also wonderful, she said.
Since 2019, Hovnanian’s goal has always been to create an equal, all-inclusive space for anybody and everybody to enjoy. Her grandmother had a house in the woods when Hovnanian was a little girl, and because she spent a lot of time there growing up, she has close ties to the woods.
It’s a piece of her heart, Hovnanian said, and she’s glad to see it still thriving.
“It’s definitely a little piece of me, personally,” she related. “We just have such a cool vibe of people that come out and it’s really special to see that. Seeing families of three generations come and enjoy something is pretty rare anymore … We can accommodate up to three, four generations, which is just very unique.”
Rancocas Woods is a free outdoor destination for nature lovers and neighbors alike. Rancocas State Park, situated on approximately 22 acres of park and forest in Burlington County, is also just right around the corner.
Upcoming events at the woods include craft and antique shows and plant swaps scheduled for late August, September and October; a boos and brews witches market on Friday, Oct. 2; and a fall harvest festival with a pup strut and plant swap on Sunday, Oct. 25.
Antiques in the Woods will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13; Sunday, Oct. 11; and Sunday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The craft and antique shows will also include a beer and wine tent, with all funds donated to the Rancocas Woods Business Association, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the revitalization and sustainability of the woods and township shops.
The woods’ annual tree lighting fundraiser, hosted in partnership with Mount Laurel, will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7. The Mount Laurel Fire Department will escort Santa down Creek Road at 6 p.m. to help light the tree.
“Just being outside in the woods is such a vibe as well,” Hovnanian enthused. “We have this really natural, beautiful environment where we get to gather under the trees, and just to be outside, together in that environment, is really special.
“The adrenaline after a show is just so high and wonderful because it’s feel-good work.”
For times and updates on Rancocas Woods events, visit www.rancocaswoodseventsnshops.com.
“Just being outside in the woods is such a vibe as well,” said Janeen Hovnanian, director of Rancocas Woods Events. “We have this really natural, beautiful environment where we get to gather under the trees, and just being outside, together in that environment, is really special.”
